Salem emergency officials have issued a Level 1 “Be Ready” flood alert for multiple areas of the city as persistent rainfall continues to swell creeks and strain local infrastructure. The alert, announced by Salem’s Emergency Management Department, signals that residents in affected areas should prepare for possible evacuation should conditions worsen, though no mandatory evacuations have been ordered at this time.
The Level 1 alert applies to neighborhoods along Salem Mill Creek, Shelton Ditch, and Lower Pringle Creek north of Mission Street, an area that includes critical facilities such as Salem Hospital. City officials report that water levels in these waterways rose rapidly following several days of heavy rain associated with a strong weather system moving across western Oregon. While some creeks have approached or reached their peak levels, officials caution that continued rainfall or runoff could still create additional flooding concerns.
As waters rose, localized flooding was reported in parts of southeast Salem, resulting in temporary road closures and hazardous travel conditions. City crews were dispatched to monitor waterways, clear storm drains, and place sandbags in flood-prone locations in an effort to limit damage and protect nearby homes and businesses. Emergency responders have urged residents to remain cautious, avoid flooded roadways, and stay informed through official city channels…